The figures for the visible who are homeless
There are still the invisible homeless who have not been accounted for
Kāpiti housing crisis puts 40 children in emergency housing
November 26, 2021
Report from Kāpiti Independent News by Jeremy Smith
The housing crisis in Kāpiti is now so bad that 50 adults and 40 children are in emergency housing. At the same time 190 are on the public housing waiting list — and even this does not reflect the actual need.
These figures were put before a Kāpiti Council workshop as part of a proposed housing strategy.
They were described as “pretty awful’ by Kāpiti district councillor Jocelyn Prvanov.
Councillors were told that a quick survey on Trade Me showed only 20 rental properties available in Kapiti. The cheapest is $400 weekly for a two bedroom property in Otaki.
The For-Sale’ list contained 213 properties in Kapiti – the cheapest was $620,000 in Raumati.
Kainga Ora has 250 houses in the district and 160 are living in boarding houses.
The rise in rents is partly from Covid but also from Wellington people “on Wellington wages” buying into Kapiti, the workshop was told.
People in the lowest quarter of the income scale have faced a 435 per cent rise in rents over the last twenty years. In that time the median income has only gone up by 112 per cent.
The percentage of renters who are no longer able to purchase a house and service a mortgage is estimated at 95 per cent. And only 88 percent are in a position to buy at the entry level of $696,000.
The housing crisis also extends to working people, with reports that police appointed to Otaki are struggling to find somewhere to live.
And councillors heard that people paying $800 rent every week would not be able to buy a house.
Councillor Angela Buswell described what she called the “massive problem” facing older people who will never get a mortgage, and who are paying up to $1200 a week for places to rent, often so they can have grandchildren to stay.
She said over 60s were still working so they could meet the rent and could never get into retirement villages because of price rises. Latest figures suggest Kapiti rest homes have 18 people on their waiting lists and two out of three have closed their books- they don’t have enough staff.
Councillor James Cootes, who has a business background, said business owners looking for replacement staff face a major problem – where are these people going to live.
Paekakariki’s Sophie Handford, by far the youngest councillor, said many young people were continuing to live at home or were ending up in very unsatisfactory living situations.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
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